When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
September 1993 - my son started bowling in the Special Olympics 5-pin league - I began as a spectator to volunteer scorekeeper to assistant coach.........and have never looked back!
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
5-pin bowling coach in 2002, 2006, and 2018, and 10-pin bowling coach in 2014.
What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2020?
Definitely a "wow factor" beginning with local competition and experiencing every level along the way to represent B.C. on the national level!! Amazing!!
What is/are your goal(s) for these National Games?
To stay relaxed and positive, and be one of the best team members I can be to bring favourable leadership experience to the Games.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
There are many, but I still marvel about an athlete on a team I was coaching at National Games in 2002, the athlete was without sight and it was the most memorable experience spending a week with this athlete who earned an individual silver medal at the Games! The entire team bonded, competed, and socialized very well at the Games. A truly heartwarming experience!!
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
The athletes are excited to represent B.C. at the National Games and are focused on working hard to be ready for the competition.
What storylines are you excited to see develop in your Team BC sport team leading up to the National Games?
The pride and determination taken by athletes in their training to be the best version of themselves and how they, with the assistance of coaches/family etc., will accomplish this leading up to the Games.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Great organization to be a part of. For athletes there are so many opportunities to try a variety of sports, and many levels of competition are available to them whether they are strong in a sport or just starting out. For volunteers/coaches your involvement will make a difference in the life of athletes, families, and/or caregivers - allowing athletes to experience sport, volunteering, and being a valued member of the community. The rewards are endless!!